Directed Energy Technology

Abstract

This program covers research in directed energy (DE) technologies, primarily high energy lasers (HELs), including devices, optical beam control, and integration; ground-based optical space situational awareness (SSA); and high power electromagnetics (HPEM). Laser research includes moderate to high power laser devices that are applicable to a wide range of applications, optical technologies to propagate lasers beams from a device, and integration of these technologies. In SSA, this research uses the Starfire Optical Range and the Maui Space Surveillance System to develop and implement technologies to identify visual characteristics such as status and health of orbiting space objects. In HPEM, this research examines technologies for applications such as counter-electronics and non-lethal weapons. Research into other novel DE applications will be conducted. DE vulnerability/lethality assessments are conducted and protection technologies are developed. Research into other advanced non-conventional/innovative weapons will be conducted. Tools are developed and used to compare solutions and to determine the most effective and efficient DE technologies to meet Air Force needs. Efforts in this program have been coordinated through the Department of Defense (DoD) Science and Technology (S&T) Executive Committee process to harmonize efforts and eliminate duplication. This program is in Budget Activity 2, Applied Research because this budget activity includes studies, investigations, and non-system specific technology efforts directed toward general military needs with a view toward developing and evaluating the feasibility and practicality of proposed solutions and determining their parameters.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2016
Source ID
0602605F_2_3600_PB_2016
Change Summary Explanation
In FY16 decrease due to higher DoD priorities.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Department Of Defense
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Energy
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • High Energy Lasers
  • High Power Microwaves
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Weapons
  • Lasers
  • Nonlethal Weapons
  • Situational Awareness
  • Space Objects
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects

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